Baltimore-based rock band Arbouretum’s epic new album
The Gathering (Thrill Jockey) provides a heavy-duty trip for the listener. Like its predecessor
Song of the Pearl, it’s textured music with long and gradual crescendos and plenty of mood swings. According to the band, led by brooding and slightly hoarse singer/guitarist Dave Heumann, the collection was inspired by The Red Book by Carl Jung. Heumann says he’s a fan of “experiences that surpass comprehension.” He also directed the video for the album’s mesmerizing debut single, “Destroying to Save.” Heumann, bassist Corey Allender, drummer Daniel Franz, and guitarist Steve Strohmeier bring their morose, reverb-heavy set back to West Ashley on Thursday. Chapel Hill indie band Caltrop, a loud quartet with a heavy guitar sound, shares the bill.
— T. Ballard Lesemann